When it’s all said and done, Laiatu Latu could be considered an Indianapolis Colts legend. The defensive end out of UCLA hasn’t played in a preseason or NFL regular-season game yet. However, the potential to be a star is certainly there.
Indianapolis selected Latu with the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The move left some fans scratching their heads as the Colts weren’t expected to draft a defensive end in the first round. Experts predicted them to take a cornerback like Quinyon Mitchell or a wide receiver like Brian Thomas Jr.
However, Latu ended up being the guy. He was the first defensive player selected in this year’s draft. While the defensive end position wasn’t the Colts’ biggest need, they could use a fantastic pass-rusher like Latu, who can be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
This Youngster is Primed for an Amazing Career with the Colts
Laiatu Latu’s College Career
Laiatu Latu’s college career began with the Washington Huskies in 2019. The Sacramento native had 16 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss as a freshman. Entering his sophomore year, he suffered a neck injury during fall practice. The injury would cause him to miss the entire COVID-shorted 2020 campaign. Latu underwent neck surgery in March 2021 and was forced to medically retire from football.
It appeared that Latu’s career was over, but fortunately, he was later cleared to play. He wound up entering the transfer portal and transferred to UCLA. He returned to the field in 2022 after missing two seasons of college football. During his first year with the Bruins, Latu recorded 36 tackles (12.5 for loss), 10.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles.
Last season, Latu produced 49 tackles (21.5 for loss), 13 sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He was named a unanimous All-American and won both the Ted Hendricks and Lombardi Awards. He also took home the Morris Trophy and was named Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year and Polynesian Football Player of the Year.
Will He Become a Star?
The Colts are stacked at the defensive end position. Besides Latu, the unit includes Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo, Tyquan Lewis, and second-year player Adetomiwa Adebawore.
Indy was fifth in the league in sacks last season with 51. It was the most since the team moved to Indianapolis in 1984. Ebukam, Paye, Odeyingbo, and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner each produced at least eight. Ebukam’s 9.5 sacks led the way.
Latu’s addition will make the Colts’ defensive line even better. His motor is unquestioned, he gets to the passer with ferocious intensity and also possesses the ability to drop into coverage. Over the last two years, he was easily one of college football’s most disruptive edge defenders. The 6-foot-5, 259-pound sack machine could make an immediate impact and possibly win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Eventually, he could become the Colts’ best pass-rusher since Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.
Of course, there are concerns about Latu’s health. When you’re forced to medically retire, people are going to worry. However, he has been healthy for the past two seasons, which is very encouraging. If he remains injury-free, a sensational career might be in store for the promising, young defender.
Main Image: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
